King Island is located 40 miles west of Cape Douglas in the Bering Sea, south of Wales. The island is primarily precipitous rock, 700 feet high and approximately one mile long.

Community Map Available

No

Latitude

64.9694

Longitude

-168.0649

Sq Mi Land

0.00

Sq Mi Water

0.00

Climate

It has a maritime climate when the strait is ice-free, usually June to November. After the freeze, there is an abrupt change to a cold continental climate. Average summer temperatures range from 40 to 50 °F; winter temperatures range from -10 to 6 °F. Annual precipitation averages 10 inches, with 35 inches of snow.

King Island was historically occupied by Eskimos calling themselves "Uguivangmuit." The island was named by Captain Cook in 1778 for Lt. James King, a member of his party. In 1900, the Eskimo name was reported to be "Ukivok." The village was occupied during the winter by approximately 200 Eskimos, who achieved fame as hunters and ivory carvers and who lived in walrus-skin dwellings lashed to the face of the cliff. The islanders subsisted on walrus, seal, birds, berries, and green plants. Every summer, the entire population would travel to the mainland by kayak and umiak and remain for a few months. Once Nome was founded, they customarily camped near town each summer to sell their intricate ivory carvings. In 1937, Lt. Commander R.C. Sarratt reported that the village was comprised of 190 residents, 45 houses, a Catholic church, and a school with electric lights, heat, and running water. That year, 200 walruses and 2,000 seals were harvested by villagers. During this time, the Navy Cutter Northland was transporting islanders to Nome for their annual summer trek. Beginning in the 1950s, fewer and fewer residents returned to the island each September. In 1960, 49 residents were counted by the U.S. Census. By 1970, no villagers continued to live on the Island. Today, the King Islanders are year-round residents of Nome.